Planning a Brit
When? Where? Who?
The brit is performed on the 8th day of life. It can be delayed if there are any issues with the baby's health. It cannot be performed sooner.
The ceremony is typically done in the home, though it can also occur in the synagogue or another public space. Choose a space that is comfortable for your family and guests.
There is no requirement for a minyan (group of ten Jewish adults) for the ceremony. So, the ceremony can be small and intimate. AND, this is a joyous opportunity to introduce the newborn to family and community.
Honors and Naming
There are many ways to involve family and friends in the ceremony if you wish. The most well know honor is the sandak, who holds the baby during the ceremony. We will discuss who you wish to honor and the most suitable ways to do so.
There are many traditions around giving a child his Hebrew name. Ashkenazi Jews often name babies after someone who is deceased. Sephardic Jews often name babies after someone living. There are many resources you can turn to for suggested names. Here are a few to start your search www.hebrewname.org
www.reformjudaism.org/baby-names
The New Name Dictionary by Alfred Kolatch
Supplies on Hand
Sturdy Table (table cloth if desired)
Good Light Source
Kiddush cup and Kosher sweet wine
Two chairs - Chair of Elijah and Chair for Sandak
Candle and matches
Challah
Small wastebasket with plastic bag liner
Baby wipes
Diapers
Receiving blanket
1 box "3x"3 sterile guaze pads
1 box alcohol wipes
Kippot and Talitot (optional)
Aftercare
I will examine your baby after the ceremony to be sure everything looks normal before I leave. I will be in touch again the morning after the ceremony to be sure all is well. The Plastibell ring used to circumcise your child should fall off in 7-10 days. If it falls off sooner, there is nothing to worry about. It can't fall off until it is healed. If the ring has not fallen off at ten days, I will come check on how the healing is progressing. During the time the ring is in place, sponge bathe your infant instead of immersing him in a tub. Change diapers as usual. There is no need for vaseline or other ointment on the penis as the ring itself will prevent the healing tissues from sticking to the diaper. Please call me at ANY time with ANY concerns.
